Shining at 75: FAMU Pharmacy Celebrates ASHP Match Success with Diamond‑Standard Excellence

March 26, 2026

Shining 75 students

Tallahassee, FL - The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH) is celebrating the accomplishments of its future pharmacists after 14 student-learners matched with pharmacy residency programs across the country through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Residency Matching Program. ASHP is a professional organization representing pharmacists in hospitals, health systems, and other patient care settings.

Match Day 2026 marked a pivotal moment for pharmacy students as they discover where they will begin their postgraduate training. For FAMU CoPPS, IPH, the celebration includes an impressive list of PGY1 and PGY2 matches. “The ASHP Match remains a defining marker of learner achievement and the enduring excellence of FAMU’s pharmacy education,” said Interim Dean Seth Y. Ablordeppey, Ph.D. “In this 75th Diamond Jubilee Year, each match highlights the dedication of our students and the strength of our curriculum, mentorship, and experiential training.”

Dr. Spates is always enthusiastic addressing attendees at the signature “White Coat Ceremony” where student-learners and their families, friends, and supporters are celebrated for their accomplishments thus far. image — Dr. Spates is always enthusiastic addressing attendees at the signature “White Coat Ceremony” where student-learners and their families, friends, and supporters are celebrated for their accomplishments thus far.

“As we celebrate the 75th Diamond Jubilee of pharmacy education at FAMU, the importance of postgraduate year one residencies has never been more evident,” said Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Professor Jocelyn D. Spates, PharmD, BCPS. “PGY1 training equips our graduates with the clinical readiness, professional confidence, and patient‑centered focus needed to excel in real‑world practice.”

Dr. Ablordeppey (center) is surrounded by some of his student-learners engaged in research, emphasizing the transformation from the bench to the bedside methodology. image — Dr. Ablordeppey (center) is surrounded by some of his student-learners engaged in research, emphasizing the transformation from the bench to the bedside methodology.

“The ASHP Match remains a powerful indicator of learner achievement and the enduring excellence of FAMU’s pharmacy education,” said Dr. Ablordeppey. “In this 75th Diamond Jubilee Year, each match reflects our students’ determination and the strength of our curriculum, mentorship, and experiential training.”

Dr. Spates highlighted the role of residency preparation. “PGY1 residencies are essential for real‑world practice, and our faculty are deeply committed to guiding students through every step of the Match process,” Spates said. “This year’s success underscores FAMU’s legacy of producing practice‑ready pharmacists who lead with distinction and commitment.”

CoPPS IPH 75 Year Anniversary Seal With fierce Rattler pride, the FAMU CoPPS, IPH continues to uphold its legacy of “excellence with purpose: 75 years of transforming lives,” preparing student-learners to thrive in clinical environments and serve communities across the nation, and around the world.